Toyota 4RUNNER Structure Problems
Owners have filed 1,789 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Toyota 4RUNNER across 28 model years. The 2004 model year has the most (310). The words owners use most often: “frame rusted” (15% of reports).
- 1,789structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 33mention a crash
- 24mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $4,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 31%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Frame rusted: mentioned in 275 of 1,789 complaints (15%)
- Excessive rust: mentioned in 94 of 1,789 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical structure repair on the Toyota 4RUNNER at $4,450, and half of them between $1,500 and $12,800.
Based on 22 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2009–2021), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 1,279 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,789 complaints, 33 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 24 an injury.
Toyota 4RUNNER structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 4RUNNER | 7 | 12% | — |
| 2024 4RUNNER | 3 | 33% | 2,038 |
| 2020 4RUNNER | 2 | 6% | 4,550 |
| 2019 4RUNNER | 3 | 5% | 25,250 |
| 2018 4RUNNER | 5 | 9% | 15,000 |
| 2017 4RUNNER | 2 | 6% | 28,000 |
| 2016 4RUNNER | 8 | 10% | 25,000 |
| 2015 4RUNNER | 8 | 9% | 41,916 |
| 2014 4RUNNER | 8 | 10% | 29,750 |
| 2013 4RUNNER | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2012 4RUNNER | 2 | 2% | 54,072 |
| 2011 4RUNNER | 9 | 6% | 29,998 |
| 2010 4RUNNER | 12 | 8% | 101,550 |
| 2009 4RUNNER | 3 | 14% | 114,000 |
| 2008 4RUNNER | 16 | 17% | 90,000 |
| 2007 4RUNNER | 40 | 26% | 85,000 |
| 2006 4RUNNER | 143 | 38% | 126,728 |
| 2005 4RUNNER | 185 | 44% | 128,000 |
| 2004 4RUNNER | 310 | 46% | 137,000 |
| 2003 4RUNNER | 284 | 41% | 138,500 |
| 2002 4RUNNER | 88 | 39% | 142,500 |
| 2001 4RUNNER | 81 | 44% | 129,000 |
| 2000 4RUNNER | 256 | 53% | 145,000 |
| 1999 4RUNNER | 112 | 34% | 176,500 |
| 1998 4RUNNER | 78 | 31% | 170,000 |
| 1997 4RUNNER | 76 | 29% | 177,304 |
| 1996 4RUNNER | 42 | 26% | 185,000 |
| 1995 4RUNNER | 4 | 2% | 110,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Structure:body:hood
Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.
Equipment; structure:body:hood:hinge and attachments
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I have a 2016 Metallic Gray Toyota 4Runner and there appears to be a clear-coat defect on the hood and roof.
Distracting clicking/rattling noise on front dash
I am writing to report a serious safety hazard regarding the factory paint and primer on my 2011 Toyota 4Runner (Paint Code: [ 070 for Blizzard Pearl]). The vehicle is experiencing severe, widespread paint delamination where areas of factory paint are peeling cleanly away from the metal body panels…
Recalls I have not done myself and have had the vehicle since March 2020
The paint is failing on this vehicle. The color is 8S6 Nautical Blue Metallic. The paint is peeling on the roof, hood, and two doors. The failure has been confirmed by a body shop.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Toyota 4RUNNERs have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,789 owner complaints about structure for the Toyota 4RUNNER. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Toyota 4RUNNER structure?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix structure problems on the Toyota 4RUNNER?
Owners report a typical cost of $4,450 (half paid between $1,500 and $12,800), from 22 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most frequent phrase is “frame rusted”, in 275 of 1,789 complaints, followed by “excessive rust” (94).
Other Toyota 4RUNNER problems
- Suspension problems (905)
- Air Bags problems (523)
- Power Train problems (405)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (362)
- Steering problems (310)
- Service Brakes problems (285)
- Electrical System problems (248)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (238)
See all Toyota 4RUNNER problems.